2. [OF. Vanne, F. Vanneau beamfeather (cf. It. Vanno a wing) fr. L. Vannus. See etymology above] A wing with which the air is beaten. [/Angels] on the air plumy vans received him. He wheeled in air, and stretched his vans in vain; His vans no longer could his flightsustain. (Dryden)